I’m playing a Charles Roberts’ chanter with a reed that’s performed admirably for 10 + years, except in the coldest and driest 2 months of the winter. The reed closes off too much and it is not possible to adjust to the point of comfortable playing. What is required to create a reed for a dry, colder season? Any reedmakers experienced with Charles Roberts’ chanters?
Mike
Either himidify your playing room and continue to use your “admirable” reed in there, if you don’t have a humidifier… make a new reed in that dry room and only use it there, or use a wooden reed.
I have the same problem, could a rag or sponge by the bellows intake help?
Humidify your playing area… That’s the best idea…so I hear. I never have this issue fortunately.
Ah, we have one of those cool mist humidifiers where the water vapourizes via ultra sound. OP, you could use one of those! Though, you will have to worry about mineral deposits.
You can also put alcohol in it! Heh heh heh 
A damp handkerchief over the bellows intake works pretty well, especially if you don’t have access to a humidifer. I followed Mick O’Brien’s instructions and rigged up a couple of Velcro strips to hold it in place, and though it was a bit of a pain to keep up with (keep a cup or bottle of water handy), it made a big difference in a couple of super-dry situations I encountered last winter.
Here’s a link to some pictures he sent me of his setup (used with permission - thanks, Mick!):
https://plus.google.com/112464773792627547026/posts/CUnD1dWaB7y
Personal experience: It’s not a bad idea to keep some Briwax on any wood the handkerchief comes in contact with.
I’d be wary of doing that too often, in case it would lead to mold developping in the leather of the bellows.
A humidifier is the way to go. You can pick up something adequate for $30 or so.
This might be cheaper.
Might I ask, CaperMike? Are you Canadian?
What he said 
My best reeds are made during the winter, as they usually revert to their original playing geometry in the following winters. You may wish to consider placing the bridle high enough so you can make the respective transition into summer months when you need to close the lips a bit. Note: a well-made reed may not even need adjusting through the year if it is made during the winter. My best reed I have the bridle fixed in one position and I never move it. You may think this is the Holy Grail of reedmaking . . . sometimes I think I found it. 
But I only say that because I’ve been very, very happy with my reed for the most part.
The climate gives it away 
Yes, indeed.
Well, that makes two of us! I am from Alberta, the climate is pretty bi-polar here… Same latitude as Dublin though…
I don’t envy you guys having to learn the pipes in such a harsh climate ,when you have to live in igloos and drive around on dog sleds all the time.Must be tough.
You don’t know the half of it. Try keeping time with your foot while wearing shoe shoes, or playing the regs in mittens and a parka … 
Also doesn’t help for the fact that the sled dogs think the chanter is a chew toy! 
And PJ, you’re Canadian?